ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
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Define hardware as consisting of physical components of a computer system
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Identify internal hardware devices (e.g. processor, motherboards, random access
memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), video cards, sound cards and internal
hard disk drives.
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Identify external hardware devices and peripherals (such as monitors, keyboards,
mice, keyboards, printers as input and output devices and external storage devices in
general)
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Define software as programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing
of electronic data
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Identify the two types of software – applications software and system software
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Define applications software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database
management systems, control software, measuring software, applets and apps,
photo-editing software, video-editing software, graphics manipulation software)
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Define system software (e.g. compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems
and utilities)
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Define hardware as consisting of physical components of a computer system
What is Hardware?
• Hardware are the physical components which make up the computer system.
• Each item of hardware have their specific roles in a computer system.
• Hardware components can either be internal or external.
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Internal hardware devices
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer. It is the device that carries
out calculations to complete software instructions.
Motherboard
The motherboard is circuit board which is connects to main
components of the computer system.
Memory
Any data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must
be placed into main memory.
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Internal hardware devices
Graphic Video Cards
A graphics card is a device that attaches to the motherboard to
enable the computer to process and display graphics.
Sound Card
A sound card is a device that attaches to the motherboard to enable
the computer to input, process, and deliver sound
Internal Hard Disk
A hard disk drive is a hardware device that's used to store
information like software and files. The capacity of hard drive
ranges from GB to Tera Bytes.
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Internal hardware devices
Network Card
A network card provides the computer with a network (internet
connection) either through wireless signals or a physical cable
connection.
Optical Disk Drive
The optical disk drive (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray) allows for optical disks to
run on the computer. Also some optical disk drives are able to write
“burn” data onto discs.
Power Supply
The power supply is connected to main power sources to give
power to the computer system. The power supply connects to all
the main components of the computer system including the
motherboard, hard drive, optical drives etc.
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
External hardware devices
Input Hardware Devices – Input data into a Computer
Examples
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Microphone
Output Hardware Devices – Outputs data from a computer
Examples
• Monitor
• Speakers
• Printers
External Storage Devices – Provides external storage or backup solutions
Examples
• External Hard
drive
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Computer Software
What is Software?
Software is a collection of instructions that can be ‘run’ on a computer. These
instructions tell the computer what to do.
Software is not a physical thing (but it can of course be stored on a physical medium
such as a CD-ROM), it is just a bunch of codes.
For a computer system to be useful it has to consist of both hardware and software.
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Applications Software and System Software
Application Software
Examples
• Word Processor
• Spreadsheet
• Databases
Application software are designed to allow users to
complete specific tasks. This may be to:
• Write a letter/Present information
• Browse the internet
• Manipulate data in a spreadsheet or database
• Manipulate graphics, sound or video.
System Software
Examples
• Operating
Systems
• Device Drivers
• Utilities
(antivirus)
System software are normally involved in the running
of the computer:
• Operating systems to provide a user interface
• Device drivers which allow hardware components to
work.
• Utility software which maintain the computer
performance.
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ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Application Software Examples
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Used to prepare reports,
school essays etc.
Use to create to organise and
manipulate numeric data.
Database is used to insert
and organise data using
fields and records.
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Create New or edit
existing text documents.
Formatting tools
Create font styles
Importing tables/images
Spell Check
Copy/Paste
Find/Replace
Page layout
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Use of various formulas to
carry out set tasks:
• Sum, Max, Min, Average
• Count, CountA
• CountIf & SumIF
• Lookups
• IF and Nested Ifs
Apply various formatting to
cells/
Create graphs (Ba/Pie charts)
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Create a table so that
records can be inserted.
Run queries using search
criteria to find specific
data.
Create reports including
labels from the search
criteria.
ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Application Software Examples
Photo Editing
Graphics Manipulation
Video Editing
Used to edit digital images to
either touch up or to apply
various formatting
techniques.
Used to create and edit
bitmap and vector graphics.
Used to edit and format video
using various tools and
techniques.
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Contrast/Brightness
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Use of layers
Filter tools
Lighting effects
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Liquify (change features of
a face)
Brush tools
Clone/Stamp tool
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Pixels in bitmap images
can be changed to
produce a different image.
Vector images use:
• Lines
• Curves
• Text
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Split and Trim videos
Create split screens
Rearranging order of clips.
Transitions between clips
(Fade)
Inserting Audio
Applying filters and using
video enhancement
techniques
ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Application Software Examples
Apps (Phone Applications)
Measuring and Control Software
Apps are the software which runs on mobile
phones. They usually come with the phone
or can be downloaded and updated.
Measuring and control software which are
responsible for changing physical conditions in
an environment.
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Measuring
• Sensors take readings which are processed
by the computer or microprocessor.
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Games (Angry Birds)
Video/Music Streaming (YouTube)
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram)
Communication (Whats App, Viber)
Camera (Editing images)
GPS (Satellite navigation)
Health/ Fitness
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Control Software
• By comparing sensor readings to a pre-set
level the control software will decide on an
output (For example to increase or
decrease the heat in a green house.
ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
System Software Examples
Operating Systems
Device Drivers
Manages computers functions
including hardware devices
(input/output). Also provides
users with a GUI interface
Allows hardware devices to
run on the computer
including printers, sound,
graphics and network cards.
System
Software
Utilities
Help to manage and
maintain computer
resources and
performance by
running specific tasks.
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Compiler
Linkers
Combines object files
produced by a complier into a
A single program.
Translates a program written
In a specific language which
Can be understood by the
computer.
ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems
1.1 Hardware and Software
Describe the difference between Hardware and Software?
Key Words: physical components, instructions
Exam Question
Hardware are the physical components which make up the computer system.
Software is a collection of instructions that can be ‘run’ on a computer. These
instructions tell the computer what to do.
Describe the difference between Application and System Software?
Key Words: specific tasks (Word Processor), manage and maintain (Operating System)
Application software are designed to allow users to complete specific tasks. For
example a Word Processor is used to write a letter. System software is used to
manage and maintain the computer system. An operating system such as Windows
10 is used to manage the functions of the computer system.
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